I see enemy mages use them all the time, but i don't use them in combat at all; they use up too much magicka, and furthermore if the ward breaks you get staggered. Not to mention there's a charging time, which means you'd probably have to ward for the entire duration of combat so as to not have a weak ward when fireballs are smashing your way.

so thats my view, perhaps some ward user could enlighten me on the usefulness of wards

I don't really use wards because my character isn't a full mage but I could see them being very useful against a dragon breath.

Nope, never across 3 level 50+ characters. They are pretty useless as using a ward = lesser offensive options.

Primary Use: Lesser ward will block any dragon breath attack (on Adept at least) for a relatively low magicka cost.

Secondary Use (if specced): Additionally you can perk them out so they absorb magicka.... which is perfect for using stronger wards against mages...

LOLWTFBBQSauce OMG this is overpowered use: and then of course there is 100% reduc on Resto gear... which lets you perma hold a ward up lmao

My Paladin, who specializes in hunting mages, uses them fairly often. Mainly against Destruction mages who use bolts.

Frankly, it never occurs to me to use them. I suppose if I was a full-blown mage I would but in the heat of combat I just don't think about it. I tend to be more stealth oriented anyway.

No, they are a joke. The only way they become practical is with a huge restoration cost reduction.

I use one every so often, especially against mages with lightning attacks.

Only when fighting other mages.